The presentation marked the launch of a new after-school academic and athletic collaboration between the college and the community school. Throughout the school year, students in grades three to six will engage with Becker student-athletes to read, do homework, and play sports.

“Social responsibility is an integral part of student life at Becker College,” said President Robert E. Johnson, Ph.D. “This program is a continuation of the important and longstanding partnership with our neighbor, Elm Park Community School and of our commitment to our community.”

The new program was spearheaded by Steven Hoar, hockey coach and assistant athletic director at Becker, and Robert Pelczarski, assistant principal at Elm Park Community School, with the support of Becker Athletic Director Frank Millerick and Elm Park Principal Paula Fitch Proctor.

“The Becker students are role models for our students,” said Principal Proctor, who graduated from Becker in 1971. “We tell them, ‘We gain knowledge, so we can go to college.’”

Coach Hoar explained that the goals of the collaboration are to help the elementary students meet physical challenges, enhance self-esteem, develop the spirit of cooperation, practice constructive competition, understand the necessity of fitness and lifetime activity, and to be sensitive and tolerant of others.

In the past year, Becker College student-athletes have participated in hockey and soccer clinics, after-school basketball, and clean-up projects at Elm Park Community School.